Cautions

The oil deteriorates rapidly so must be kept cold.

Do not use commercial linseed oil for consumption as it is toxic.

Do not use immature seeds as they contain toxic substances.

Description

Native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, flax is now
cultivated worldwide for its seeds, oil, and fiber. It is an annual,
biennial, or perennial plant, growing to three feet, producing a slender
stem, lance-shaped leaves, sky-blue flowers, and oily brown seeds. The
plant flowers only in the morning. The seeds are harvested in late
summer or early fall when ripe. The aerial parts of the mountain flax
are harvested while flowering.

History

Flax has been cultivated for more than 7,000 years in the Middle East as a source of linen fiber and for its oil.

The ancient Egyptians, Hebrews,
Greeks, and Romans used the seeds as food, the oil as medicine, and the
fibers for clothing and ships’ sails.

The Roman legion used bread made from
flax and were able to march long distances and then do battle. Today,
Roman meal bread still uses flaxseed, while the linseed oil is used in
the manufacture of varnish, paint, linoleum, and soap.

The medicinal properties were well known to the Greeks as Hippocrates recommended flax for mucous membrane inflammations.

In the 8th century in France, Charlemagne passed laws requiring the seeds to be consumed in order to keep his subjects healthy.

The Mountain flax received its nickname of "purging flax" because it was once popular as a purgative.

Medicinal Parts

The seeds contain both soluble and
insoluble fiber which promote intestinal health and lignans, a form of
phytoestrogens believed to help protect against colon, prostate, and
breast cancers.

Remedies

SeedsRipe seeds are ground and used for constipation (high fluid intake is vital).

Poultices of crushed seeds or flour
are applied to boils, abscesses, and ulcers or applied locally for
pleurisy pain, coughs, bronchitis, or emphysema.

Infusions are used to treat coughs and sore throats (honey and lemon can be added).

Infusions of the whole plant are made of the fresh herb for constipation, liver congestion, and rheumatic pain.

Maceration produces a thick mucilage
which can be taken for inflammations of the mucous membranes as in the
cases of gastritis and pharyngitis.

Oil from the seeds contains essential
fatty acids which are helpful for eczema, menstrual disorders,
rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis.

Traditional Uses

The seeds have long been used as a bulk laxative and soothing
expectorant. However, they must be ground to gain any benefit as the
whole seed will pass on through the body undigested. In addition, since
flax absorbs moisture in its efforts to alleviate constipation, it is
well advised to drink plenty of water; otherwise, the stools will be
hard and dry.

If a seed is placed in the corner of the eye, it will move around and gather foreign particles into its mucilage to be removed.

Mountain flax is a potent laxative and
can be a substitute for senna. However, it was largely used for
rheumatism and liver complaints, mainly because its strong laxative
action rids the body of built-up toxins.

The oil is an important source of
essential fatty acids, which help prevent fatty deposits from clogging
tissues. Flaxseed, meal, and oil should be kept refrigerated as it soon
goes rancid, causing more health problems. If it begins to smell like
turpentine, it should be discarded.